Perfect Car? 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
Is a late model Dodge Dart the perfect car? Not likely. It was launched (with supposed Italian DNA) as a replacement for the hideous Caliber in 2013 and was canceled by the end of 2016…hardly the fate for the perfect car. Since then Dodge has been out of the economy car game, and here is the funny part…I didn’t even know that the Dart had been canceled. This means one of two things — either, I live in a cave, or the Dart was so forgettable that zzzzzz…hey, wake up, this thing has a turbo and a manual gearbox. Can you even hear me with all the cave noises (bats and dripping water) in the background? Find this 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye offered for $5,300 in San Jose, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
2013 dodge dart rallye turbo
fuel: gas
odometer: 34200
title status: salvage
transmission: manual
Salvage no damage!!!
34,200 miles
Turbo
Runs perfect
6 speed
Paid registration
Back up camera
New oil change
See a better way to drive something perfect? tips@dailyturismo.com
I’m guilty of liking these and the whole history of Dodge compact cars (Dart, Caliber, Neon, Shadow). I think the Dart is actually a good looking car that holds its own against the import competition. I have never driven one, so I don’t know that I’d love it, but if I was looking for a compact, I’d check it out.
With only a 4 model-year run, low production, and the designed disposability of entry-level compact cars, these will probably become a bit rare in the future. Not valuable, but uncommon. I barely see Neons on the road anymore. Maybe they’ve all been used up in spec racing.
Yeah, I had the same thought — these were so cool when they came out — manual gearboxes, turbo engines, cool taillights, like a mini Charger. And I was super pumped to see what the SRT/Hellcat version was going to be…and then they dumped it to sell more SUVs. Argg.
There was some talk that the SRT version would have had a 2.4 Tigershark motor and possibly all wheel drive. Those look like Chrysler pulled a GM on an even larger scale – finally got a compact car right, then pulled the plug.
I’m no MOPAR fan and even I liked the Dart. I’ve looked at a few Neon ACR’s that turned out to be a bit too ratty for my tastes, so we bought an Abarth. Much of the same DNA (maybe?) but with Euro flair and a future collectible I hope.
I want to own an Abarth just for the exhaust. I’d start it up and give it the beans everyday even if I was working from a home office.
This belongs in the OMG look in the background section. That bug, whatever is parked behind it cool houses I would go kick the tires just to look around the neighborhood.
This is a FIAT product, w/ the same engine and build quality as the 500s. IE, you run for the hills, and you run away FAST, when presented w/ this car. Instead of this car, ask yourself…..”What vintage 5-sp Acura can I get for $5300?” Your welcome….
Scotty Kilmer concurs….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qbXSqCOQEM